Football, much like life, is about opportunity. It’s about finally catching that big break and taking off with it, never to look back.

Football, much like life, is about opportunity. It’s about finally catching that big break and taking off with it, never to look back.

Kyle Arrington earned more than one opportunity when trying to break into the NFL. After not being able to catch on in Philadelphia or Tampa Bay, the cornerback got another chance in New England.

He hasn’t looked back since.

With a little more than two weeks remaining until the Patriots report to training camp, Arrington will give back this month with his newly formed Kamp Kyle football camp, set to take place July 19 in Plainfield, Conn. The Patriots defensive back will teach football basics to players 7 to 18 years old. If there’s anyone out there who can preach about following your dreams, it’s Arrington.

“To be in this position, I am a prime example, a real-life example of whatever your dreams are or aspire to be, with undeniable faith, determination, resilience, what can happen. It is possible,” Arrington said. “To be in a situation where I can have a positive impact on just one life, it makes it all worthwhile.”

After floating around the Eagles and Buccaneers practice squads for all of 2008 and half the season in 2009, Arrington fought to earn playing time with the Pats through his special-teams play. After appearing in eight games in 2009, the Maryland native has been a fixture in the Patriots secondary since 2010.

Arrington has started 52 of 64 games over the past four seasons. He hasn’t been able to replicate the seven interceptions he collected in 2011, but he has given the Patriots consistency when lined up in the slot over recent years.

To come from a small college program, Hofstra of the Football Championship Subdivision, earn a constant spot on an NFL roster and a four-year, $16 million deal in 2013, is a testament to hard work. But Arrington also credits it to “opportunity.”

“I was fortunate to have more than one,” Arrington said. “Not all of us are even in that position to get more than one opportunity. And just making the most of that opportunity and have extreme confidence in your ability, no matter what that is or what your path is in life.”

Arrington won’t earn many accolades lining up in the slot, but that doesn’t mean his work goes unnoticed.

Last season, he shined against the Miami Dolphins in Week Eight, when he shut down Mike Wallace, deflecting two passes thrown his way. Wallace, who caught three passes for 41 yards in the game, caught zero passes when covered by Arrington. The cornerback also came up big against Denver in Week 12, helping to hold Wes Welker to four catches for 31 yards.

Again, Welker made no catches when Arrington was the one covering him.

The cornerback says with each season he plays, the game gets slower for him.

“Now it’s about anticipation, being able to read thing quicker,” Arrington said. “From your rookie year to this year, your head is not spinning 100 miles per hour.”

Things won’t get any easier for Arrington this season. The Patriots’ defensive back depth is the strongest it’s been for quite some time. With the additions of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, the Patriots are stacked at cornerback with Alfonzo Dennard and Logan Ryan.

Arrington anticipates the competition to be high in training camp, but he is looking forward to it.

“Oh man, that’s what it’s all about in this game. It’s all about competition, and we have a great group of guys,” Arrington said. “The guys you just mentioned, Revis, Browner … their body of work speaks for itself. I’m definitely looking forward to training camp. When things get full throttle, things should get interesting and be fun.”

Arrington’s made the most out of his opportunities with the Patriots entering his sixth season in Foxboro and hopes to earn his keep again this season.

He didn’t take an easy road to the NFL and has plenty of stories to tell the youth who attend his football camp in Connecticut next week. He has no problem trying to motivate someone trying to follow their dreams, but don’t expect him to get complacent.

There’s still work to be done.

“I’m still not where I want to be,” Arrington said. “Until I get away from the game and think about it a little more, maybe then [I’ll reflect] but I’m still working. I’m working hard trying to be better.”

Registration for Arrington’s camp remains open through Saturday; for more information, visit kampkyle.sportssignup.com.